The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star Joseph Mawle offers a heartfelt explanation as to why Adar has been recast for season 2. Based on author J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novels, Prime Video's latest venture into the fantasy genre premiered in September, earning mostly positive reviews from critics. The Rings of Power takes place thousands of years before the events of Peter Jackson's acclaimed The Lord of the Rings trilogy, chronicling the rise of evil in Middle-earth. Mawle's Adar plays a prominent role in season 1, commanding a small army of Orcs and facing off against Morfydd Clark's Galadriel.
After it was announced recently that The Rings of Power will recast Adar for season 2, in addition to adding a number of other new cast , Mawle has now taken to Twitter to offer an explanation to fans as to why he will not be returning. While the actor doesn't go into specifics, his post suggests he's simply interested in pursuing other projects and bringing other characters to life. Check out Mawle's post below:
What Could Be Ahead For Adar In Rings Of Power Season 2
Adar serves as one of The Rings of Power season 1's biggest villains, pursuing a home for his Orcs where they will not suffer the damaging effects of direct sunlight. His goal is eventually achieved when the volcanic eruption in episode 6 turns the Southlands into Mordor and fills the sky with ash. The reveal that Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) is Sauron, however, creates an interesting dynamic between the two characters that could be explored in The Rings of Power season 2. Before the eruption, Adar claims that he, in fact, killed Sauron, which suggests that the two villains could butt heads moving forward.
Adar mysteriously disappears after the eruption of what is revealed to be Mount Doom and The Rings of Power season 1 finale leaves his fate up in the air. It's not clear if Adar was intentionally lying about killing Sauron or if he genuinely believes that he did, but the comment hints that season 2 could further explore the character's backstory and the circumstances of their fight. With Sauron having now revealed himself, The Rings of Power season 2 could see the villain gaining power in Mordor. Since Adar is basically responsible for Mordor's creation as a home for his band of Orcs, season 2 could see the character challenge the Dark Lord for control over the region.
It remains to be seen what role Adar will play in The Rings of Power season 2, but many fans will likely miss Mawle's nuanced take on the character. It's possible that there's more to the story than the actor is letting on, considering he was likely contracted for multiple seasons of the show, but he is evidently thankful for his time in the world of The Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth. In any case, Sam Hazeldine will be playing the Orc leader starting in season 2, and it's possible that the character will become even more important as Sauron grows more powerful. With The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power now only a short way into filming season 2, it'll likely be while before fans get a good look at the new version of Adar.
Source: Joseph Mawle/Twitter